I especially like how the decor is done on pho3nix's Synchrocity Luka: [clickie]
She says that hers seems to be made out of a sort of metal-plastic blend, but I'm not sure what material that would be to look for.

DismalFate told me that she made hers out of fabric piping with cord and bias tape and that she hot glued the pieces together: [clickie]

However, I'm looking for other methods and materials to make the decor as well. If possible, I'd like to the make the decor look more similar to pho3nix's, because a lot of Luka cosplayers have their decors rather thick-looking; and a thinner one would better fit the version of Luka I'm trying to make. Craft foam? :/

I'm also wondering how to slip the top on and off without having to use a zipper. Is there any way to connect the two sides of the top without anything showing between the gold borders like the way Layla Vanilla has hers? [clickie]